Key Takeaways
- Onego Bio plans to invest $250-$300 million in a new U.S. headquarters in Jefferson, focusing on producing animal-free egg protein.
- The company will build a 130,000-square-foot facility, creating over 2,200 construction jobs and 217 permanent jobs.
- Onego Bio aims to produce more than 6,000 tons of Bioalbumen annually, significantly reducing reliance on traditional egg supplies.
Company Expansion Plans
Onego Bio, a Finnish food technology firm, has announced a significant investment to establish its new U.S. headquarters in Jefferson. This expansion entails spending between $250 million and $300 million on a flagship manufacturing facility that will be located within the Food and Beverage Innovation Campus. The company purchased a site for $770,000 earlier this month, moving its U.S. operations from San Diego to the new location.
The Food and Beverage Innovation Campus, situated along Highway 26 and adjacent to a Union Pacific rail line, will host Onego Bio’s state-of-the-art 130,000-square-foot fermentation facility. Construction is set to commence soon, projected to last two years, and is expected to generate about 2,160 construction jobs. Post-construction, the facility will offer 81 direct full-time jobs and create an additional 136 indirect jobs annually.
Onego Bio’s primary product will be Bioalbumen, an animal-free egg protein that replicates the nutritional and functional properties of traditional egg whites. The company expects to produce over 6,000 tons of Bioalbumen each year, which is equivalent to the output of approximately 6 million hens. This innovative product not only addresses supply chain issues prevalent in the egg market but also aims to bolster local agriculture by incorporating corn products into its operations. Annually, Onego Bio is anticipated to invest between $15 million and $20 million on these corn products, thereby supporting the agriculture sector.
CEO Maija Itkonen emphasized the company’s commitment to developing a resilient and sustainable food system. She noted that the new location offers essential infrastructure and logistical advantages, enabling Onego Bio to scale production effectively and enhance food security. By joining the Jefferson area, which is known as a hub for food and beverage innovation, Onego Bio is poised to expand its reach within the market while contributing positively to the local economy.
In summary, Onego Bio’s strategic move to Jefferson represents a significant shift toward sustainable food production and a commitment to reducing the reliance on traditional egg supply chains, while simultaneously boosting local employment and agriculture.
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